In This Classroom - by Andrew Hacket (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Comforting for the timid, empowering for the anxious, affirming for students and teachers alike."-Kirkus Reviews

In This Classroom is a heartwarming celebration of the school year, capturing the joy, struggles, and growth of students and teachers as they embark on an unforgettable journey of learning, friendship, and personal achievement.

In Andrew Hacket's classroom manifesto, young readers are invited into a vibrant and supportive classroom where they can explore the beauty of making mistakes, embracing challenges, and celebrating unique differences.

This empowering picture book helps children understand that school is a place of opportunity, where they will learn from setbacks, support each other through difficulties, and ultimately grow in ways they never imagined. With whimsical illustrations and a message of perseverance and community, In This Classroom encourages every student to feel valued, confident, and excited about the endless possibilities a new school year brings.

This book is not just for students--it's for teachers too, as it provides a framework for fostering a positive classroom environment where every child can thrive. Whether read at the beginning or end of the school year, In This Classroom is a heartfelt reminder that the journey of learning is a shared experience, and together, we can achieve greatness.

Review Quotes

"Children new to school and teachers of younger grades will enjoy this colorful and upbeat read."

-- "Youth Services Book Review" (3/25/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"This offering will be great for classroom use as well as for children wondering about an upcoming school experience. Comforting for the timid, empowering for the anxious, affirming for students and teachers alike."

-- "Kirkus Reviews" (3/9/2026 12:00:00 AM)

"Using bright primary- and secondary-colored, cartoon-like, rounded children, a teacher shares how "in this classroom," school, friendship, and learning can be hard but is something that they will all do, thereby growing and succeeding together. The back matter includes a note to teachers on how to use the "we" to start a conversation of a collaborative community within a classroom, and how to use the story at the beginning of the year, monthly, and at the end of the year. . . The overall message is one of hope, acceptance, and love. The tone and flow of the book make it a compelling, uplifting read-aloud.VERDICT With its bold colors and friendly forms, this is a must-purchase for elementary collections in need of a fresh back-to-school story to help students that are both fun but imperfect processes."

-- "School Library Journal" (9/1/2026 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Andrew Hacket is a writer, second-grade teacher, and father of three. He is also the author of several picture books, including Hope and the Sea and Curlilocks and the Three Hares. Recognizing that being a kid is hard, Hacket writes stories that help children see themselves in characters, accept and overcome their insecurities, or escape--if only for a little while--through the power of imagination. He and his family live in Central Massachusetts. Visit him at andrewhacket.com. Arthur Lin, a Dallas, Texas, native, received a master's degree in illustration from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. His work has been published by various children's media companies, and he has illustrated stationery, magazines, greeting cards, and several picture books, including The Scariest Picture Story You've Ever Heard and This Book is Perfect, both written by Ron Keres. Visit Lin at arthurdraws.com.